Silver is one of the most popular and valuable precious metals used in the world today and is used to make all sorts of practical and decorative items from coins to silver snake chains. When it comes to silver there's so much more than meets the eye, so take a look at these fascinating facts to find out everything you need to know about the world's favourite precious metal. joyas de plata al por mayor

In terms of conducting heat, silver is the most successful conductor of all elements and precious metals. It's often used in rear windscreen defoggers and solar panels thanks to its powerful conducting properties.
Silver can kill bacteria. Small volumes of the metal chemically affect membranes of bacteria cells which causes them to break down. Unlike antibiotics, bacteria don't build up a resistance to silver.
It's believed that humans began to extract silver from lead by 3000 BC and the metal has been mined for more than 6000 years.
Silver has a cubic crystal structure which makes it tough and durable. It's not as hard as copper, but is harder than gold.
Silver is edible (although it's not advisable to eat large quantities) and is often used as a decorative ingredient in food and the people of India have been adorning dishes with a thin layer of silver, known as Varak, for many hundreds of years.
The word silver derives from the old English word 'Seolfor'.
Up until recently silver was often used in fillings and is known as a dental alloy, although dentists today are more likely to use a clear filling solution.
In the world of medicine, silver is being added to paper thanks to its antibiotic abilities.
The melting point of silver is 960 degrees C or 1761 degrees F.
Until the beginning of the 19th century silver was reserved for the very wealthy, but after the industrial revolution it became much easier to mass produce.
Today's shoe buckles are more function than form, but in the 1800's the fashion for adorning shoes with silver buckles became so popular that he price of silver dramatically increased.
Silver has been associated with magic throughout history and is believed to ward off evil spirits and have healing powers.
Silver can be worked in a similar way to gold but can produce the most brilliant polish of any of the precious metals. In jewellery making, silver is often alloyed with a tiny amount of copper to increase its durability.
Long life batteries contain zinc-oxide and silver and can be used to power all sorts of items such as digital cameras and quartz watches.
It's estimated that each year in the UK, more than 500,000 ounces of silver are minted into medals and coins.
As you can see, silver jewellery isn't the only thing that this versatile precious metal is used for. It can be found and used in ways in which don't even think about day to day. The next time your gazing into a jewellers window admiring the sparkle of that silver encrusted diamond ring... remind yourself of all the weird and wonderful ways in which this precious metal impacts on our daily lives.

I am Jennifer Booth, owner and co founder of Booth and Booth. I have more time under my belt in retailing than I care to admit to, but suffice to say I've been in retailing all my long working life.